Manicaland ready for the big occasion

Cletus Mushanawani News Editor
MANICALAND has leaved no stone unturned in its quest to be the best hosting province of the on-going President Mugabe’s Provincial Youth Interface rallies.

In an interview on Wednesday, Zanu-PF provincial youth secretary for administration who is also chairman of the venue and entertainment sub-committee, Cde Victor Saunyama, said they had excellently executed their duties to surpass the standards set in Marondera, while giving future hosts headaches on how to be the best.

“The response we have been getting from all stakeholders is out of this world. “Unlike what our detractors are saying that we will be force-marching people to Sakubva Stadium, we have been receiving calls from transport operators enquiring on how they could chip in and avail their vehicles to ferry people to and from the venue. “Buses, kombis, lorries and even private vehicles have been secured. In Mutare, 32 picking points were identified where people will be picked by different transport.

“Surely, we will surpass our target of 60 000 people to attend the rally, a reason why we came up with the idea of installing giant screens outside the venue,” said Cde Saunyama. He added: “We are not losing sleep by our detractors’ plans to sabotage the event by distributing fliers discouraging people from attending because we know they will be left with egg in their face because our iconic leader, President Mugabe is a magnet which will attract a bumper crowd. Our detractors are singing for their supper.”

His sentiments were echoed by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, who said Friday, was never declared a public holiday in Mutare. “It will be business as usual to all service providers and no-one will be forced to close shop. Opposition parties are good at misleading people, but let me assure the business community around the venue and the city centre that it should be business as usual because the multitudes of people going to descend on Sakubva Stadium need their services. In-fact they should prepare for brisk business,” said Cde Chimene.

She warned drivers and everyone who would be travelling to Mutare to exercise extreme caution on the roads to avoid unnecessary loss of lives due to over-excitement. Cde Saunyama said since it was a youth programme they had lined up a lot of entertainment. “It will be a day to remember for most people as we have lined up celebrated artistes like Suluman Chimbetu, Soul Jah Love, Boom Beto, Sir Calaz, Killer T, Sniper Storm, our own Manicaland artistes like Diamond Kid, Landmine Madongonda and a host of others,” said Cde Saunyama.

In an earlier interview, Zanu-PF national secretary for youth affairs, Cde Kudzi Chipanga, said: “We are happy with the progress made so far in terms of preparations. We toured the venue and it shows that there is unity of purpose among youth leaders in Manicaland.

“We are excited by their vibrancy and this should not end with this big event. “We are already mobilising for the elections and we want to ensure a resounding victory for Zanu-PF come 2018 as youths are the majority.

“People should have faith in our youth programmes because if we speak with one voice, no-one will divide us.”